newsletter (june - december 2015).pdf

Harimau Washington 1

HARIMAU WASHINGTON

In This Issue

Our team

MalWashington;

What we do

This half in a

glance

A Word from Our Ambassador When I first arrived here in Washington D.C. in April

2014, it was at a special time in the history of relations

between Malaysia and the United States. President

Obama was set to visit Malaysia then, and once again

visited Malaysia in November 2015. Relations have been

upgraded to comprehensive partnership; engagements,

visits and activities involving our leaders, businesses

and our two peoples have been on the rise since. The

sharing of information on developments in our two

countries have become more important than ever.

In light of this, it is my pleasure to unveil Harimau

Washington, a brand new newsletter of the Embassy of

Malaysia in Washington D.C. The goal of this newsletter

is simple; to connect, to share and to celebrate. To

connect with our friends and stakeholders, to share the

embassy’s activities and updates, as well as to celebrate

the rich and diverse cultures of our two countries and

improved bilateral relations.

We chose the name Harimau or tiger in English as it is always a special animal in the context of symbolizing strength,

fearlessness, willpower and courage, the tiger roams our lush jungles, dominates our national emblem, and emblazon our

national soccer squad, the Harimau Malaya. I suppose that tiger is hibernating at the moment since the squad is not doing too

well this season, but it will wake up with a loud roar soon I’m sure.

I hope our readers will enjoy Harimau Washington, a little something to capture glimpses of the various activities, carried out by

us at the Embassy.

Embassy of Malaysia in Washington D.C. Newsletter 14 June– 31 December 2015 Edition


Our Team

The Embassy of Malaysia in Washington D.C., was set up upon

independence in 1957 when Malaysia established its diplomatic relations with

the United States of America.

14 Ambassadors have served in this post. The first Ambassador was His

Excellency Tun Dr. Ismail Dato’ Abdul Rahman while the current Ambassador

is His Excellency Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin.

The first Chancery was located at the Universal Building, 1825 Connecticut

Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. The second Chancery at 2401

Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. was officiated by Malaysia’s

first Prime Minister Al-Marhum YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on 14

October 1969.

The current Chancery building located in Washington's diplomatic enclave, at

the cross streets of Van Ness and Reno Road in Northwest D.C., was

declared open by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on 15

May 2002.

The architecture of the Chancery building is reminiscent of the early 20th

century buildings in Malaysia. It is a juxtaposition of vernacular Malay

architecture and imported western, mainly British, architectural elements also

known as ‘Anglo-Straits’ architectural style.

Currently, under the Embassy of Malaysia, there are 34 Home Based Staff

from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of International Trade and Industry,

Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Public

Service Department, Education Malaysia, Malaysian Palm Oil Board,

Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, Royal Malaysia Police, Majlis

Amanah Rakyat (MARA), and the American Palm Oil Council. The officers are

assisted by 32 Locally Recruited Staff.

The Wisma Putra team and Heads of Division under the Embassy of Malaysia during the Working Visit of YAB DPM

EDITORIAL BOARD

Patron:

H.E. Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin

Contributors:

Mr. Shaiful Anuar Mohammad

Ms. Nur Ezira Mahadi

Mr. Kathiravan Subramaniam

Editor in Chief:

Ms. Nadhirah Zanudin

Contact us at:

HARIMAU WASHINGTON

3516 International Court, NW 20008

Washington D.C.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1 (202) 572 9700


14 - 16 June

Program BEST@Philly in conjunction with Biophilly 2015 in Philadelphia

(cooperation between Biotechcorp and Education Malaysia Washington D.C.)

MalWashington: What we do

28 June

H.E. Ambassador hosted an iftar for the Malaysian contingent to the World

Police and Fire Games 2015, in Fairfax, Virginia

12 July

Ramadhan Iftar, Tarawikh and Moreh with the students of Vanderbilt

University

9 July

Briefing on Congress by Mr. Martin Gold

22 June - 9 July

Islamic Summer Camp H.E. Ambassador officiated closing ceremony of

the Islamic Summer Camp. The camp was attended by children of the Embassy’s Home

Based Staff with the guidance from two teachers from Maahad Taafiz Pahang, Malaysia.

17July

Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration Over 350 people consisting of officers and family members of the Embassy and Malaysian students as well as diaspora from all over the US attended the open house at the Chancery. The celebration was marked with Hari Raya prayers in the morning

followed by a specially prepared buffet that included nasi beriyani, roti canai, lodeh, lemang and rendang.


What makes ASEAN?

Brunei

Cambodia

Indonesia

Laos

Malaysia

Myanmar

The Philippines

Singapore

Thailand

Vietnam

ASEAN Day 2015 7 August The Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States in Washington D.C. co-organized the 48th ASEAN Day reception at the Embassy of Malaysia on 7 August, 2015 at 6.30 pm. The ASEAN Ambassadors played host to some 400 senior United States Government officials,

members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, think tank and academic leaders, friends of

ASEAN and members of the media. The event was held to help concretize the manifestation of

ASEAN 2015 Chairmanship theme, “Our People, Our Community, Our Vision” towards the

establishment of the ASEAN Community. It has helped to strengthen understanding between ASEAN

and United States, enhance ties amongst members of ASEAN community and promote the awareness

of ASEAN to the local community in Washington D.C.

The reception commenced with the playing of ASEAN Anthem, “The ASEAN Way”. In his Opening

Remarks, H.E. Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin, Ambassador of Malaysia, highlighted the importance of

relations between ASEAN and the United States, the latest developments in ASEAN, and the progress

towards the ASEAN Community. This was followed by a statement by the guest of honour, Principal

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, the Hon. Ambassador Scott Marciel.

The guests were presented with a medley of cultural performance from all ten ASEAN Member States

and, followed by a sumptuous spread of ASEAN traditional authentic cuisines prepared by all 10

ASEAN countries. A row of food stalls decorated with beautiful handicrafts from all 10 ASEAN Member

States were set up for the guests to taste the delicacies and enjoy ASEAN hospitality. The traditional

food included chicken beriyani, sate lilit, beef rendang, bake pumpkin coconut, bingka susu, larb kai

and many more.

Due to time difference, the reception was held in the evening of 7 August to synchronize with the

reception hosted in Malaysia on 8 August 2015.


The International Young Leaders Assembly 12 August A welcoming reception at the Embassy of Malaysia was held for the delegation of the International Young Leaders Assembly (IYLA). The IYLA is a premier partnership-driven leadership development initiative that empowers promising young leaders to positively impact their communities, nations and the world. This year’s edition engaged over 800 participants from more than 80 countries in an ambitious leadership programme in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City.

Programme With Students, American University 4 August H.E. Ambassador's talk with the members of the Youth Leadership Programme organized by National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) at the American University. The members consists of selected group of outstanding high school students to participate in its fast-paced, high-level, interactive summer sessions.

Working Visit of YB Minister of Human Resources and the delegation from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 9-10 August

The Embassy of Malaysia had the pleasure to welcome YB Dato’ Sri Richard Riot Anak Jaem, the Minister of Human Resources, YBhg. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman of National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and delegation. The delegation was in the United States to visit the US NIOSH facilities and to discuss with its officials in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Meeting with the Mayor of Philadelphia 18 August H.E. Ambassador paid a call on Mr. Michael Nutter, the Mayor of Philadelphia. H.E Ambassador also undertook a visit to Temple University for a programme with Malaysian students.

Visit of American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) 17 August The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) program focuses on international educational exchanges for young political leaders worldwide. The program provides in-depth exploration of the governance, politics, policy making, bilateral relations, culture, and geographic diversity of the host country. The session was organized for the ACYPL participants to exchange views on bilateral relations between Malaysia and the US, trade relations as well as ongoing domestic issues in both countries.


Minister of Foreign Affairs Malaysia Gracing the National Day and Armed Forces Day

Reception 22 September

Malaysian Loud and Proud…

The Embassy of Malaysia in Washington D.C. was honoured to have had our Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Dato' Sri Anifah Haji Aman, join us as we hosted the National Day and Armed Forces Day reception on 22 September 2015. Other Guests of Honour were the Honourable Daniel Russel, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs as well as Major General Lawrence Martin of the US Air Force .

Programme at Salt Lake City, Utah and Chicago, Illinois 1-3 September

H.E. Ambassador undertook a visit to Salt Lake City, Utah at the invitation of the Brigham Young University. During the visit, H.E. Ambassador gave a lecture entitled “The Malaysian Economy and the ASEAN Economic Community” to Political Science and International Relations students at the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, Brigham Young University. Subsequently, H.E. Ambassador met with Mr. Kevin J Worthen, President of Brigham Young University, and Dr. Sandra Rogers, International Vice President. H.E. Ambassador also had a discussion over dinner with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (Ambassador Room), followed by a performance by the International Children’s Choir. Subsequently, H.E. Ambassador visited the LDS Humanitarian Center and Welfare Square. This was followed by a meeting with Hon. Gary R. Herbert, Governor for the State of Utah. H.E. Ambassador then flew to Chicago to attend the Malaysian Young Leaders Summit. More than 100 students all over the US participated in the Young Leaders Summit.

Working Visit of YB Minister of Women, Family and Community Development

11-13 September

From 11 to 13 September 2015, the Embassy of Malaysia welcomed YB Dato' Sri Hajah Rohani Binti Abdul Karim, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who was in Washington, D.C. to officiate the Young Women Professional Conference.

Farewell Dear Friends 17 September The Embassy of Malaysia bid farewell to four of its Officers and Staff who completed their tour of duty in Washington D.C. They are Ssjn. Abdul Samas Mat Nasir from Ministry of Defense, Ms. Wanida Lourdesamy from Wisma Putra, Ms. Nur Aisyah Mohamad from MARA and Mr. Jumaat Sulaiman, our beloved LRS whom have dedicated 27 years of his life serving the Embassy.

Mr. Jumaat receiving a token of appreciation from TYT Ambassador


Working Visit of YAB Deputy Prime Minister 7-13 October YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia undertook a Working Visit to Washington D.C. from 7 to 13 October 2015. YAB had a packed and fruitful visit which included the signing of the Homeland Security Presidential Directive Six (HSPD-6) as part of the Visa Waiver Programme with the Honourable John Kerry, U.S Secretary of State, meetings with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security, think tanks, business leaders, Malaysian Diaspora and Students.

What we did?

15 minute warm-up session

1 mile fun walk 45 minute Zumba

Hari Sukan Negara 2015 10 October In line with the call of the Nation for a more fit and active Malaysia, the Embassy of Malaysia held its Hari Sukan Negara 2015 in full force and happy spirits. Held within the compounds of the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Malaysia and Rock Creek Park, more than 60 participants participated in a warm-up session, fun walk and Zumba session . What made it more special was the event was graced by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and spouse, YABhg. Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis. Subsequently, everyone was treated to a luncheon at the Embassy.


Islamic Capital Market Conference 22 October The Embassy of Malaysia played host to the Islamic Capital Market Conference. H.E. Ambassador delivered the Keynote Address. The conference brought together Fund Managers (Pension Funds, Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds and Insurance), Investment Bankers, Infrastructure Companies, and Corporate Executives so that they would consider alternative opportunities for increasing financial growth and investments in the United States through Islamic Capital Markets. The Conference presented the value proposition of Islamic Capital market from the perspective of cross-border linkages, capital raising, financial structures, accreditation and landmark issues that are changing the global landscape. ASEAN and American Business leaders alike converged, discussed and negotiated ways to build on each other’s strengths and needs.

Dialogue Symposium of “Malaysia as 2015 ASEAN Chair: Our People, Our Community, Our Vision” 22 October The Embassy of Malaysia participated in the 5th United States, and East Asia Summit Strategic Dialogue Symposium titled “Malaysia as 2015 ASEAN Chair: Our People, Our Community, Our Vision” at the American University, Washington D.C. This ASEAN Studies Initiative was organized with the support from the Department of State and the Asia Foundation. It saw participation of over 20 speakers including 5 from Malaysia. The opening remarks was given by the Embassy ’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Shaiful Anuar Mohammad and one of the panelists for ASEAN Economic Community discussion was Mr. Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Minister Counselor (Economic).

Islamic Capital Market Conference

“Malaysia as 2015 ASEAN Chair: Our People, Our Community, Our Vision”.


United Nations Day 23 October The Embassy of Malaysia participated in the United Nations Day celebration at the Oneness Family School in Washington D.C, joining more than 60 other Embassies making it the biggest United Nations Day celebration in Washington D.C. The celebration is an annual affair of the school, inculcating awareness for peace, awareness and tolerance among students regardless of race, creed, and religion.

Training for Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) 19 November Our LRS have been the backbone of our day to day operations. To ensure that they continue to be motivated, well equipped with necessary knowledge and overall, happy to continue working with us, a training session was held. The objectives of the session were to expose LRS to the Sistem Pentadbiran Kerajaan Malaysia (SPKM) and to cultivate teamwork among the LRS from all agencies under the Embassy, as well as to enhance work related competencies of the LRS by sharing of knowledge.

1SPLN Training 23-27 November

A 1SPLN "Training of Trainers" (TOT) course was held from 23 to 27 November 2015. It was led by the Director of Consultation Services Division of Accountant General’s Department with the aid of 6 other trainers. The purpose of the course is to enhance and upgrade the present SPLN accounting system. 23 officers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, New York (CG and UN), Vancouver and Ottawa as well as officers from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Agriculture, Public Service Department, Royal Malaysian Police, and Education Office attended the course.

Farewell for Brig Gen Dato’ Jaafar 30 November The Embassy of Malaysia organized a luncheon to bid farewell to its Defence Attaché, Brig. Gen. Dato’ Jaafar Kassim. Brig. Gen. Dato’ Jaafar assumed post on 26 June 2012 and returned home to Malaysia on 9 December 2015. We at the Embassy of Malaysia would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dato’ Jaafar and family for the dedication and commitment.


Talk by Officials of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) 13 November

The Embassy of Malaysia had the opportunity to welcome Mr. Mohamad Fauzi Husin, Mr. Mohamad Zakuan Talib and Mr. Khairul Azidi Yahidin from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The delegation that was on a working visit to Washington D.C., gave a talk on the importance of maintaining integrity and professionalism amongst Government officers.

Moderation (Wasatiyah Talk) 14 November

YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Hj. Abdullah Md Zin, Special Advisor of the Prime Minister on Islamic Affairs led a delegation from Institute of Wasatiyah Malaysia to meet with Malaysian students. A panel disucussion on moderation (wasatiyah) was held at Homewood Suites, Falls Church. The discussion that was led by YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. focused on the importance of preserving a moderate demeanor in action, in speech and in life in the midst of the rise of extreme and radical islam.

Year-End Buffet Luncheon and Farewell for Tuan Haji Zainal 22 December

The Year-End Buffet Luncheon was graciously hosted by H.E Ambassador in celebrating and thanking the officers, spouses and staff of the Embassy for all the hardwork and dedication shown throughout 2015. It was a bittersweet programme as the Embassy had to also bid farewell to its First Secretary (Admin & Finance), Tuan Haji Zainal Zainuddin and family who will be returning home to Malaysia.

MISG Muktamar Baltimore 2015 24 - 28 December

The Embassy of Malaysia in Washington D.C. is proud to be one of the main sponsors of the Malaysian Islamic Student Group (MISG) for its activities throughout 2015. MISG being an important body promoting moderation in Islam in the U.S, together with the Indonesian Muslim Students in America (IMSA) has co-organized, the Muktamar Baltimore with the theme "Being Muslim in times of Uncertainty".

Historically, this convention was first hosted in 1976. Since then, it has attracted over several hundred participants each year. The programs in the convention have directly impacted da'wah activities in North America and have broadened the Islamic horizons of Indonesian and Malaysian students as well as Muslim community members.


June

14 – 16 June Program BEST@Philly in conjunction with Biophilly 2015

in Philadelphia

28 June Iftar for the Malaysian contingent to the World Police and

Fire Games 2015, in Fairfax Virginia

22 June—9 July Islamic Summer Camp with students of Maahad

Tahfiz Pahang

July

9 July Presentation on Congress by Senator Martin Gold

12 July

Ramadhan Iftar, Tarawikh and Moreh with the students of Vanderbilt University

17 July

Embassy Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration

August

4 August Programme with students of American University

7 August

ASEAN Day Celebration

9-10 August Working Visit of YB Minister of Human Resources and

the delegation from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

12 August

Welcoming reception for the International Young Leaders Assembly

17 August

American Council Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) Session

18 August Programme with students of Temple University, Philadelphia

This year in a glance..


This Half in A Glance…

And that’s a wrap!

September

1-3 September Student Programme, Salt Lake City

4-6 September

Malaysian Young Leader’s Summit, Chicago, IL

11-13 September Working Visit of YB Minister of Women, Family and Community Development

18 September

Farewell of Officers and Staff leaving the Embassy

October

7-13 October Working Visit of YAB Deputy Prime Minister to Washington

10 October

Hari Sukan Negara 2015

22 October Islamic Capital Market Conference & Dialogue Symposium of “Malaysia as

2015 ASEAN Chair: Our People, Our Community, Our Vision”

November

13 November Talk by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission

19 November

Training for Locally Recruited Staff (LRS)

23-27 November 1SPLN Training

30 November

Farewell for Brig Gen Dato’ Jaafar

December

22 December Year End Buffet Luncheon and Farewell for Tuan Haji Zainal

24-28 December

MISG Muktamar Baltimore 2015

The Editorial Board wishes to express appreciation to all those who have helped to make this first issue of Harimau Washington a reality.

newsletter (june - december 2015).pdf

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